A Flint man learned the consequences of texting while driving last week when his vehicle left the roadway and ended up in Lake Palestine. more

Although the greater Tyler area received rain last week, burn ban orders still remain in effect for both Cherokee and Smith counties. During an emergency meeting of the Cherokee County Commissioners Court held Tuesday, Aug. 7, officials declared a burn ban to be in effect for the next 90 days, according to Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis. more

On Monday, July 30, in the 369th Judicial District Court of Cherokee County, Terry Woods was convicted of murdering Michael Hatton in October of 2015.  Woods was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Woods shot Hatton in the face with a .45 caliber handgun because the two were arguing over the value of stolen floor tile. more

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today said state sales tax revenue totaled $2.74 billion in July, 6.9 percent more than in July 2017.  “Sales tax receipts from almost all major economic sectors were up compared with last year,” Hegar said. “The most notable increases were from oil and gas mining and manufacturing sectors, followed by wholesale trade, restaurants and services. more

At the joint meeting of the Whitehouse city council and the planning and zoning committee, the election of mayor as well as Place 2 and 4 on the city council was called for Tuesday, Nov. 6. Charles Parker currently serves as city mayor. Chad Cleckler and David Roquemore hold Place 2 and Place 4 on the council, respectively. more

Slater Dylan Brabec, 17, of Arp, was killed in a crash Wednesday, Aug. 1, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. more

On Friday, Aug. 3, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran issued a burn ban due to rapidly increasing wildfire conditions. Moran issued the “Order Prohibiting Outdoor Burning” after receiving the recommendation from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office and Office of Emergency Management. more

The Troup Chamber of Commerce is exploring the possibility of a city-wide garage sale in the fall and is requesting community input on the subject. The sale, which would likely take place on a Saturday, would be promoted by the Chamber of Commerce and open to all Troup citizens. more

The Whitehouse Community Library’s 2018 summer reading program ,“Libraries Rock,” came to a close Saturday, Aug. 4. To celebrate participants’ success, the library hosted a party complete with face painting, a build your own sundae bar, and grand prize drawings. “As three o’clock drew near, patrons flocked to the library to return their reading logs just in the nick of time. As they were told, their completed reading log is the golden ticket to a possible grand prize,” Meghan Grudza, library director, described the event. more